It started with the unveiling of Beijing's Olympics logo in early August and was followed up earlier this week with the release of its formal marketing plan.

And then yesterday, a working session looking at more tangible aspects started.

The three-day forum, involving Beijing's organizing committee and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), is expected to delve into aspects such as the sports at the Games themselves, venue construction, the Olympic village, accommodation and security, in addition to other areas like technology and finance.

IOC officials said there is no specific focus among the subjects but stressed they will "look closely" to the construction programme, which is already in full swing.

"We will make sure the (entire) construction programme will start on time and the situation will go forward as planned," said Gilbert Felli, IOC executive director.

Beijing Olympic organizers have finalized the construction blueprints for several major venues like the National Olympic Stadium, which will hold the opening ceremony, football final and athletics, and the National Swimming Centre.

Last month, the tendering programmes for a number of venues, like the US$423 million National Stadium, were concluded.

The construction of those venues will start later this year.

The Games will need 35 stadiums and gymnasiums with 15 to be built and 11 to be renovated from existing structures.

(China Daily 09/03/2003 page2)

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